Vegan diet - the 14-day challenge

Vegan diet - the 14-day challenge

"Just lettuce and grains, you have to pay attention to the nutrients if you don't want to risk any deficiency symptoms, the last burger has been 'eaten' and what about cheese? I couldn't do without cheese. Never!"
02.04.2024
Eine Pfanne gefüllt mit Reis, Cashewkernen und Gemüse steht auf einem hölzernen Tisch.

Vegan diet - the 14-day challenge

Many people still think this or something similar about the vegan diet - despite the trend and positive reporting from all sides. The weekly shopping, the change in your own kitchen or even an invitation to dinner may indeed seem cumbersome. And of course, a change in diet also involves getting rid of one or two habits. But a vegan diet also has many advantages - for yourself, but also for the environment, and that alone is a motivating argument in Fridays for Future times to at least give this vegan lifestyle a try. We'll help you take the first steps and who knows: maybe the 14-day challenge will turn into even more. You can find more information about vegan nutrition here.

Brot mit Schokoladenaufstrich, Bananenscheiben daneben, auf einem Teller, umgeben von Haselnüssen.

Why give up animal products at all?

The image of the ideological hippie is definitely long outdated; the many arguments in favor of a vegan lifestyle have now also reached the mass media. In addition to ethical reasons, i.e. a rejection of the husbandry conditions in meat and dairy farms, for example, many vegans also consider Health aspects a role, as well as the effects of the diet and lifestyle on the individualecological footprint. Many of the so-called Diseases of civilization can be traced back - in some cases very specifically - to the generally high consumption of meat and sausage products in this country. These include cardiovascular diseases, but also obesity and the ailments caused or promoted by it. However, the Factory farming and production of animal products is also known for high emissions and being extremely resource-intensive. While the main focus of the climate debate is on transport, it is relatively easy, convenient and sustainable to reduce your own CO2 emissions by living a little more vegan.

Ein Mann isst einen Snack, während er auf einer Bank draußen sitzt.

Where does vegan begin, where does vegan end?

The answer is quite simple at first: A person who lives vegan for ethical reasonsabstains from the consumption of animal products. Starting with the obvious foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. It also includes cosmetic products with animal ingredients or products that have been tested on animals, as well as clothing and accessories made from wool or leather.
Does this mean you have to throw your favorite wool sweater in the garbage can straight away? No. Especially not for a two-week challenge. And even beyond that, no sensible vegan will look at you askance if you wear old, previously purchased items. It's about being more conscious about your consumption in futureMore conscious about your consumption.
And that starts with your weekly shopping. In future, take a closer look at the back of the packaging of your favorite products. You may be surprised at how many ready-made foods contain hidden animal products. Potato potato chips, for example, often contain dairy products, and convenience ready meals are often made with cheap egg white. But let's be honest: these don't belong on the daily menu anyway. It's much healthier, more wholesome and more sustainable to shop in the fresh produce section anyway.

Schüssel mit Gemüse, Kichererbsen und Brot auf Holztisch; daneben Teller mit Salat.

Let's clear up some prejudices

If you're worried that shopping will become rocket science in the future, we can reassure you. You'll soon find out which products you can put in your shopping cart and which you should leave on the shelf.

A vegan diet doesn't mean that you only have to eat fruit and vegetables. Of course, fresh produce should make up the majority of your diet, but you don't have to give up your favorite grain products such as pasta and bread. Pulses and of course Nuts and seeds are more likely to enrich the menu than there is a need to talk about doing without. And there are now actually good meat and cheese substitutes on the market - even if the same applies here: convenience products should play second fiddle to a balanced diet.

Does that sound complex or expensive? No, we wouldn't say that either, and that would actually dispel the prejudice that a vegan lifestyle is only for high earners. In fact, a Seasonal and ideally regional purchasing extremely easy on the household budget. Of course, there are special products that are a little more expensive, but you have to factor in the often high quality of the raw materials and any organic certifications and the price tag is put into perspective. In addition, discounters and supermarket chains have also greatly expanded their product range and can cater to vegans' shopping needs at a reasonable price."

" But what about the nutrients? Surely a vegan diet is inevitably accompanied by deficiency symptoms, right?" No. Only vitamin B12, which is also most frequently cited as a risk vitamin, cannot be obtained purely from plant sources and should be supplemented with food supplements. All other nutrients and minerals can be obtained from a varied, purely plant-based diet consisting of vegetables, beans and lentils, cereals, nuts and, of course, ingredients such as tofu.

Pärchen sitzt lachend auf Sofa, isst Snacks aus einer offenen Tüte.

Let's start the challenge

We've now given you the information you need to start vegan, but of course you still don't know which meal plan to start with. Just take a look at our magazine. We have lots of delicious vegan recipes that are super tasty and very varied.

We hope you have fun experimenting, researching and, of course, cooking, because fun and enjoyment should always be the main focus.